Dyer aiming to be fit for Spurs

Kieron Dyer is determined to shake off his foot injury in time for a first team recall at Tottenham tomorrow - even though it will mean a return to the scene of his worst nightmare in a Newcastle shirt.

Kieron Dyer is determined to shake off his foot injury in time for a first team recall at Tottenham tomorrow - even though it will mean a return to the scene of his worst nightmare in a Newcastle shirt.

United's midfielder was a last-minute withdrawal from the side which eventually triumphed over Peterborough on Sunday with Bobby Robson deeming the London Road surface too dangerous to risk his prize asset.

Dyer remains a major doubt for the trip to north London but, after receiving intensive treatment on his troublesome foot following the first team's post-match warm-down yesterday, is still hopeful of declaring himself fit after a light training session today.

Newcastle's former Ipswich playmaker knows another impressive capital show will significantly boost his chances of winning a place in the England side to face Holland in Amsterdam next month and is prepared to re-run the White Hart Lane gauntlet just 12 months after he was dismissed at the same venue.

Last January referee Steve Bennett sent off Dyer for swearing at his assistant Phil Sharpe just as the pacy midfielder looked capable of turning a tense game against Tottenham.

The midfielder was later fined by Robson for his untimely outburst and accepted full blame for United's 4-2 defeat.

Nolberto Solano also saw red on a night of high drama, but both Newcastle stars have since played their part in ending the club's horrendous record in the capital and the duo are looking to hit the headlines for all the right reasons tomorrow.

Following two games in four days, United's first team squad will not return to full training until Friday but one player hoping to take part in that session is Carl Cort.

The former Wimbledon striker is edging closer to a comeback with the first team pool and has even talked about pushing his claims for a place against Manchester City in next month's FA Cup fifth round clash at St James's Park.

Robson is hoping to arrange a behind-closed-doors practice match for his £7m forward early next week, but Newcastle, understandably, are keeping their cards close to their chest as far as the player's overall fitness is concerned.

The 28-year-old, who began training with the Mediterranean outfit on Sunday, has been released by Manchester City, and said on www.olympiquedemarseille.com: "Some people from Marseille came to see me recently.

"I was told that Marseille had problems in defence, injuries and absences. Of course I am ready to return to France and I can say today that my signature with Marseille is under way.

"I had a chat with (coach) Albert Emon who confirmed that the club were willing to strengthen the defence."

Charvet started his career in Cannes before moving to England and had a spell with Chelsea before joining Newcastle. He left St James's Park for Maine Road in October, 2000.

"I have already played with Frank Leboeuf while at Chelsea and everything went very well," he added. "I recently spoke to Frank on the phone and we mentioned my arrival here. He said a lot of positive things about Marseille and I really hope I will sign soon."

That is when Everton's owner Bill Kenwright believes the club's refinancing package will be in place.

Everton are taking out a long-term loan to overcome the problems created by their near-£20m bank overdraft. The club's FA Cup run - their fifth-round home tie with Crewe will be televised live by the BBC at 1pm on Sunday, February 17 - is certainly helping the Goodison Park coffers.

Smith, who has not been able to buy a player since Tomasz Radzinski's £4.5m move in the summer, will soon be able to add to what is the Premiership's smallest squad.

He is still hoping to be able to offload Abel Xavier and Thomas Gravesen in the coming weeks.

But Kenwright stresses the club's crippling debts still have to be cleared.